MEMBERS of an annual Boxing Day hunt have urged supporters to turn out in force.

This year's Boxing Day Braes of Derwent Hunt meeting, in County Durham, will be staged on Monday, December 27, because its members do not hunt on Sundays.

With uncertainty now hanging over the Government's proposed hunting with hounds ban, members of the Derwent hunt are anxious to display their determination to continue their pursuit.

Hunt member Maureen Mace said that while it had originally been ordered by the Government that hunting with hounds would become illegal from midnight on February 17 next year, there was now some uncertainty.

"With the announcement that the legislation might now be postponed for a year we are not clear as to what is going to happen," said Ms Mace, who has hunted with the Braes for more than 30 years.

She said that whatever date the ban was introduced all members of the hunt had signed a declaration pledging to continue hunting.

The Boxing Day meet, which will begin in Lanchester at 10.30am on Monday was particularly important, she said.

"We want everyone to come out and support us. The Boxing Day meet is always significant but never more so than this year,'' she said.

Following the meet, the Braes intend to hunt every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

Mrs Mace said the Braes has accumulated support from a number of people in the region, from landowners to retired miners.